Virgin forges Dreamliner training deal with Norwegian

Expanding low-cost carrier Norwegian has forged a partnership with Virgin Atlantic to cover pilot training on new Boeing 787 Dreamliners.

The deal enables Norwegian to tap into Virgin Atlantic’s expertise on long-haul operations, while instructors from the UK airline will receive pilot training on board Norwegian’s new 787-8 Dreamliner which is due for delivery at the end of June.

The co-operation with will allow Norwegian’s pilots to make use of the Virgin’s experience in long-haul flying.

At the same time, Virgin’s 787 instructors will conduct the final part of their pilot training on board Norwegian’s Dreamliners.

They will continue flying on board Norwegian’s aircraft until the airline receives its first 787 Dreamliner in September 2014.

Virgin Atlantic will be the launch customer in Europe of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a slightly bigger version of the 787-8.

Virgin’s flight operations general manager Dave Kistruck said: “Our combined experience is being effectively utilised to ensure the safe and efficient introduction of the Boeing 787 aircraft to our fleet.

“We have much in common with Norwegian, having similar high quality training requirements, which has allowed our partnership to take shape.”

Norwegian long-haul flight operations director Torstein Hoås said: “Introducing a new aircraft type to an airline is an extensive affair. It is therefore important that we learn from each other.

“Virgin Atlantic is a successful long-haul airline with almost 30 years of transatlantic experience. It will be very beneficial for us to receive this support.

“At the same time, we are looking forward to helping Virgin Atlantic introduce the 787 Dreamliner to its fleet. The cooperation will be a great advantage to both parties.”

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